Page 230 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

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MIYAJIMA ISLAND

宮島
! B5 ⌂ Hiroshima Prefecture £ From Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi, then ferry
EXPERIENCE Western Honshu Miyajima, as this sacred place is commonly known, means shrine island, although
g From Hiroshima Port or Miyajima-guchi Stn n At ferry terminal; www.visit-
miyajima-japan.com/en
its official name is Itsukushima. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is symbolized by
Itsukushima Shrine’s prominent vermilion Otorii (Grand Gate) rising from the sea
during low tide, and enchanting visitors for centuries.

Acclaimed as one of Japan’s three most scenic
The shrine sits in a beautiful setting. Felling
trees is forbidden so the island has maintained views, the torii of Itsukushima Shrine appears
its virgin forest and provides a home to a
variety of flora and fauna, while tame deer
purity, pilgrims were not allowed to set foot
on its ground. Instead, their boats would pass
roam freely. Nature trails snake up Momijidani to float in the water. To maintain the island’s
Park, which towers behind Itsukushima Shrine. through this gate to reach the shrine, which
had a pier into the water. The warlord Taira no
Kiyomori, who funded the shrine, built the first
Itsukushima Shrine, founded in Otorii in the 12th century, but the present
593, is built on stilts over a cove.
It is best viewed at high tide 50-ft- (16-m-) high structure dates from 1875.
when the buildings are reflected
in the sea. Part of the deck Arched bridge
includes an old Noh stage.

Five-story
Pagoda

Senjokaku
Pavilion or
“pavilion of
the thousand
tatami mats,”
was built
in 1587.
The great torii

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